Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
~ Romans 12:2 ~
The mind has a “spirit.” In other words, our mind has what we call a “mindset.” It doesn’t just have a view, it has a viewpoint. It doesn’t just have the power to perceive and detect; it also has a posture, a demeanor, a bearing, an attitude, a bent. “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”
The problem with our minds is not merely that we are finite, and don’t have all the information. The problem is that our minds are fallen. They have a spirit, a bent, a mindset that is hostile to the absolute supremacy of God. Our minds are bent on not seeing God as infinitely more worthy of praise than we are, or the things we make or achieve.
~ John Piper – The Renewed Mind and How to Have It ~
How am I able to see the things when God’s wisdom has become a part of my own way of thinking? What should this renewed, transformed mind of the believer look like? There are three radical reorientations that I must undergo. This helps me understand my time, treasures, and talents differently. I may stand in a different place than where I once stood, and my perspective may reflect the change. My eyes will gaze on new heights and my desires will lean in new directions. I am a new creation and learn to live as one.
How do I get there? Do I change suddenly or little by little? Is it by diligence of my own effort or by the merciful and gracious gift of God? Is it a matter of hard study or spiritual osmosis? The answer appears to be all of these things. God will give me His mind – I am sure of that. It comes from Him out of the mercies of His good will toward me, and He is generous with all of His children. This also requires a diligence in searching His word, seek His guidance, cooperate with His plan, receive His correction, and wait patiently for His providence. I am to boldly persevere in my ambitious drive to receive the completely free gift of God’s wisdom.
Some individuals had become a Christian when they were a child. Most likely do not remember well the difference between their new life and their old, and may have lost sight of the radical nature of the new mind. Or, one may have once knew the power of transformation and yet have since let it slide into a hybrid life of the new and the old. They may have lost sight of the constant call of the new creation. In either case, I have come to realize that I need to let my own mind be transformed and my life renewed again and again. It is a lifelong process for me, a work that God will complete the day He takes me into His presence. Never settle for the status quo. Never grow complacent or stale. Never lose sight of the upward call of God out of the ways of this world and into the heart of His will.
There is a difference in living a worldly mindset compared to that of a Godliness mindset. I am called to live a Godly mindset through the renewing of my own mind on the things of God. And it is by testing where I prove God’s divine will for my own life. Proving that which is acceptable and Good. The only requirement is to consecrate my life by being a living sacrifice unto Him every day.
have you lost sight of what it means to live in God’s will? Do you live to be conformed to the things of this world? How important is it for you to seek faith and favor with God? It is only through our commitment to be a living sacrifice in order to seek God’s wisdom and this means we are to renew our minds on those things that bring our lives to a place of transformation into Godly Character and Wisdom.
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Thank you – Damascus Way Recovery
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 